“I can tell you that every time I get in my Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1 Chevy, I’m doing it because I want to win, whether it’s the first race on the schedule or the last. Sometimes there are circumstances that prevent you from being able to do that, but I look at this weekend’s race no different than I do a race 20 weeks from now. We’re going out there to try to win, just like every other race.” — Tony Stewart, Pre-Atlanta Stewart-Haas Racing Team Release

If you drive a car you have probably heard of Kelley Blue Book. It’s THE resource when it comes to car valuations. It’s were the term “blue book value” comes from- consulting the paper book (back in the day) and now electronic book to find out exactly what price range a car can be valued at based on make, model, miles and condition but also including things like specific features.

Kelley Blue Book is one of Dale Earnhardt Jr’s sponsors and the pair want to empower all car buyers to be knowledgeable and in control of their car buying experience. There is a big KBB Fan Zone set up down at the race in Atlanta- be sure to stop by and play some fun games and perhaps win a $50 gas card or even a trip to the All-Star Race in Charlotte (May 16h 2015). Fear not if you are not at the race in Atlanta this weekend- there is an online sweepstakes too! The #KBBEffect sweeps starts Feb. 27th, 2015 and runs through March 30, 2015 for us fans and car buyer and to enter is easy: Fans tweet a picture of your vehicle with the hashtag (#KBBEffect) for a chance to win all kinds of prizes that range from autographed hats and diecasts to the grand prize: Two pairs of tickets to the fall race at Talladega (October 25th, 2015) including hospitality suite access. Entries will be incorporated into a gallery where users can interact with Kelley Blue Book in an all-new engaging way.

Yep that is me. If you click the READ MORE OF AMY’S STORY- the story expands and you can learn more about me and why I am a Tony Stewart Foundation Lap Leader. For those who aren’t familiar with the Tony Stewart Foundation- it was created by Tony as a “vehicle” to give back to those organizations that support causes that support his three passions: seriously or chronically ill children, endangered animals, and injured racers. So a TSF Lap Leader is someone who donates to the Tony Stewart Foundation monthly automatic donation to the Tony Stewart Foundation of at least $14.00 a month. As a than you for your donation- you get goodies sent to you once a quarter- and let me tell you some of the thank you goodies are awesome- my favorite one was a small canvas artwork created children and animals from the very organizations that the foundation helps every year.

You can even specify which arm of the foundation you want your funds to support! You can choose between Children’s Health, Animal Welfare, Driver Health or (the one I chose) Where It’s Most Needed. Your donations go to help the foundation fund grants to worthy organizations! You can keep up with the TSF Foundation on Facebook to find out more about specific organizations they donate to.

If a monthly donation is not something you can manage- there are many other ways you can help. Of course they gladly accept one time donations (I started out donating once around around Tony’s birthday). And there is the Amazon Smile program where shop amazon and can set The Tony Stewart Foundation as your charity of choice and they will get a small percentage (0.5%) donated to them off your eligible amazon purchases. It is no extra money to you- it’s donated by amazon on your behalf. It’s easy to do- and it’s free to you.

they also have merchandise you can purchase (like the Racer14 plates) that help!

The Tony Stewart Foundation is easy for me to stand behind as a way to support my driver and support great causes at the same time especially since, like Tony, I too am passionate about both kids and animals. It’s easier to me to give to TSF then to check out multiple charities to donate to. Oh and did I mention that the donations are tax deductible? It truly is win-win for me because I support great organizations and my favorite driver at the same time.

Well our driver is now 0-17 when it comes to his record at Daytona. This weekend just wasn’t his weekend. He had been staying competitively in the top ten of the race since the drop of the green. After the first caution flag of the race- he discussed the car’s handling with crew chief Chad Johnston that while the car was a little tight he didn’t think they should make any changes yet on the car. (more…)

You know I always like to point out some interesting contests that are out there for NASCAR fans. Here is one for you Dale Earnhardt Jr fans- you might even win a ride along with Dale Earnhardt Jr!

Get on the Fast Track to Savings with Kroger and you would win some great prizes, including a ride along with Dale Earndhart Jr.! Dale and Kroger are teaming up to give NASCAR fans everything you need to get ready for a day at the track! From great foods like Breyers, and Hellmann’s to personal care products like Suave and Vaseline, Kroger has you and your whole family covered.

Other than having everything you need for a perfect day at the track, Kroger is also have an amazing sweepstakes right now. Head over to Fast Track to Savings and play the Fast Track racing game for an opportunity to win select prizes, and an entry for a chance to win the ride along with Dale Earndhart Jr.

Ahh, is it not great to have our NASCAR back? It is for me. I didn’t realize how much I missed it even until I was sitting in my kitchen trying to figure out if the date of the Unlimited was the same day and time of my nephew’s 5th birthday party (luckily indeed they weren’t even on the same day). (more…)